Dolores Prarie Flower

Dolores Prairie Flower, a Metis woman of Cree-Dene/French background, has been volunteering at MPNH since Feb 2016.

She began visiting BC a number of years ago, and moved here in 2013. Earlier this year she learned of MPNH through a poster in the building she lives in, the Kwayatsut centre. At a morning community breakfast at MPNH Dolores met Sherry Small, who suggested that Dolores volunteer. Now four months into being an MPNH volunteer, Dolores says that she has found a meaningful sense of connection to others at the MPNH. “They see skills and invite you to use them”, she says, “They are so very welcoming. It gives you an opportunity to share, which is a big part of my culture. To pass on your gifts to others.”

Dolores has volunteered in the kitchen and with other tasks at MPNH and now leads a beading and talking circle at the House. It is open to everyone and is a place to connect, share stories, and share beading skills. Dolores usually plays traditional native flute music, chanting or pow-wow music and people have a “big sharing time”. People learn to bead necklaces, earrings, dancing regalia, and beaded plaques. “I try to use teaching colors, traditional medicine colors”, says Dolores.

Dolores’ name “Prairie Flower” is connected to the Metis heritage. Metis were known as “flower people” because of their heavy use of flowers in their traditional designs.

Asked about whether any events or festivities at MPNH stand out in her mind, Dolores says that’s it’s the everyday connection she really values.

“I love Mt Pleasant, and MPNH has really helped me get more connected to the community. The neighborhood is like a spider web, and MPNH is at the centre. All the different people and communities find their place on that web, and when you come to the centre you can become connected to all of them.”